Members: Postal Services

Graham Allen: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission if he will take steps to restore the availability of casual stationery and envelopes in the Members Post Office; and how much has been saved by preventing Members from using franked envelopes in the Members Post Office.

Nick Harvey: The Post Office has continued to supply limited amounts of stationery including prepaid envelopes, and these are now recorded against Members' names. Savings of around £5,000 have been made in the first quarter of 2007-08 by ending the issue of casual stationery and envelopes in the Members' Post Office.
	In its report on the Communications Allowance (First Report 2006-07, HC 319), the Members Estimate Committee directly linked the new allowance to an annual limit of £7,000 per Member on pre-paid stationery. The House approved the report on 28 March 2007.
	The operation of the arrangement will be kept under review.

Select Committees: Publications

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Prime Minister when he expects the Government to respond to the fifth report of the Public Administration Select Committee session 2005-06, Whitehall Confidential: the publication of political memoirs, HC689.

Gordon Brown: The Government are considering the report of the Public Administration Select Committee, "Whitehall Confidential? The publication of political memoirs" and will respond shortly.

Departments: Publicity

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the cost effectiveness of advertising commissioned by his Department in the last 12 months.

Gillian Merron: The Cabinet Office currently only uses advertising for recruitment purposes. Cost effectiveness plays a key part in recruitment advertising, for example all vacancies are advertised on the Civil Service Gateway at no cost. For the graduate fast stream, which Cabinet Office runs for the whole of the civil service, the Cabinet Office employs a mixed media approach, which a 2007 survey of applicants confirmed as the most cost-effective.
	Cost-effectiveness is a key part of the Cabinet Office's best practice guidance for Government communicators when commissioning advertising, this can be seen at:
	www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/government_communication/engage/planning process.

Regional Development Agencies: Official Hospitality

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what the expenditure of each regional development agency was on hospitality and entertainment in each year since 1997.

Stephen Timms: The following table shows the regional development agencies (RDAs) expenditure on hospitality and corporate entertainment since their creation to the last full financial year. There are some variances between RDAs in the way this expenditure is classified and recorded.
	
		
			  RDA  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 AWM 8,500 28,500 (1)163,500 8,600 8,900 8,000 15,816 43,862 
			 EEDA n/a n/a n/a 5,849 11,608 11,118 12,534 7,153 
			 EMDA 284 17,870 6,510 38,722 48,344 48,301 48,185 20,077 
			 LDA 0 209 31,220 16,801 23,133 19,462 27,341 19,202 
			 NWDA 7,144 16,750 21,556 32,908 38,834 35,639 44,975 45,209 
			 ONE 6,659 2,849 30,853 50,644 40,360 34,600 40,421 38,324 
			 SEEDA 24,304 34,689 47,063 36,089 50,858 50,640 35,995 42,061 
			 SWRDA 8,937 13,045 17,723 25,362 17,065 20,552 21,531 17,785 
			 YF 3,405 20,095 19,616 44,992 64,428 39,276 29,397 42,460 
			 (1) Exceptional hospitality costs in respect of the 2002 Ryder Cup. This was one off expenditure giving significant coverage to the West Midlands around the globe.

Private Finance Initiative

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the use of private finance initiatives in UK Government-sponsored projects in Wales.

Peter Hain: The private finance initiatives an important part of the Government's strategy for delivering high quality public services.
	In assessing where PFI is appropriate, the Government's approach is based on its commitment to efficiency, equity and accountability and the principles of public sector reform. PFI is only used where it can meet these requirements and deliver clear value for money without sacrificing the terms and conditions of staff.
	Where these conditions are met, PFI delivers a number of important benefits. By requiring the private sector to put its own capital at risk and to deliver clear levels of service to the public over the long-term, PFI helps to deliver high quality public services and ensure that public assets are delivered on time and to budget.
	It is a matter for individual Government Departments to decide whether to use PFI in projects in Wales applying normal value for money principles.

Tidal Power: Severn Estuary

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the  (a) advantages and  (b) disadvantages of tidal power generation in the Severn Estuary; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: The Government's energy strategy outlined in our Energy White Paper (EWP) demonstrates that we firmly believe it is vital that we keep all our options open, including the various opportunities and technologies that tidal power has to offer us.
	Wales is supremely well placed to harness the benefits of tidal and wave power because we have such an extensive coastline. However, we are some way off from drawing final conclusions. That is why the Government are working with the Welsh Assembly Government, the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC), the South West Regional Development Agency and other key interested parties to look strategically at the tidal resource in the UK.
	As our EWP states, the SDC launched a study, the purpose of which is to consider whether the impact of climate change justifies the potential costs and benefits of all tidal technologies including the barrage and tidal lagoons, and their public acceptability. The SDC aim to publish the report this towards the end of the summer.
	The work that the SDC is undertaking will not be the only study on tidal technologies. Further detailed studies will need to be conducted, and that these will also include for example, assessments on the environmental impact and the EU Birds and Habitats Directive. So the SDC study will by no means be the last word, but a progressive next step.
	It is vital that we consider all options if we are to respond to the twin challenges of climate change and security of supply. Tidal technology has an important role to play in meeting these challenges.

Community Development: South West Region

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to increase black and minority ethnic engagement and participation in rural community life in south-west England; and what discussions she has had with South West Action for Communities in Rural England Network on this matter.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Commission on Integration and Cohesion was commissioned to investigate issues relating to Cohesion and Integration in August 2006. A report was published on 14 June. Over the next few months the Government will be engaging widely with partners, and will respond fully in the autumn. This will include taking into account issues effecting black and minority ethnic engagement in rural communities.
	The Department for Communities and Local Government funded the Black South West Network to work with the South West ACRE (Action for Communities in Rural England) Network to enhance black and minority ethnic engagement in the region.
	In March 2007 a multi-agency group, chaired by the South West Regional Assembly, was established to examine the effects of migrant workers on communities in the region and to identify actions necessary to support both those workers and the communities, both urban and rural, in which they live.

Unitary Councils

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance her Department provided to local councils in  (a) running and  (b) funding campaigns over their bids for unitary authority status.

John Healey: Communities and Local Government wrote to all chief executives in areas affected by the 16 unitary proposals under consultation, drawing their attention to the code of recommended practice on local authority publicity. The code makes it clear that local authorities should not at any time use public funds to mount publicity campaigns whose primary purpose is to persuade public to hold a particular view on a question of policy, and that authorities must take particular care when publicity is issued immediately prior to an election.

Agriculture: Cornwall

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average farm income in Cornwall was of  (a) dairy,  (b) crop,  (c) horticultures,  (d) livestock,  (e) poultry and  (f) organic farms in each year since 1979.

Jonathan R Shaw: Table 1 shows average net farm income per farm in Cornwall for those farm types that are sufficiently represented in the Farm Business Survey from 1980. Table 2 shows comparable data for the South West Government Office Region. Data are not available on a comparable basis for 1979. Data on organic enterprises were not collected prior to 1999-2000.
	Net farm income is defined as the return to the principal farmer and spouse for their manual and managerial labour and on the tenant type capital of the business. It excludes all income arising from outside the farm business.
	
		
			  Table 1 
			   Average net farm incomes (£/farm) in Cornwall( 1) 
			  March/February years ( 2) Dairy farms  Livestock farms 
			 1980-81 7,500 4,000 
			 1981-82 11,100 8,500 
			 1982-83 11,200 9,400 
			 1983-84 6,500 5,900 
			 1984-85 5,000 4,500 
			 1985-86 13,200 7,500 
			 1986-87 11,900 6,600 
			 1987-88 17,000 14,700 
			 1988-89 23,700 18,200 
			 1989-90 17,200 11,300 
			 1990-91 13,800 9,500 
			 1991-92 16,700 12,200 
			 1992-93 21,500 17,100 
			 1993-94 29,200 21,300 
			 1994-95 19,600 14,300 
			 1995-96 23,900 21,300 
			 1996-97 15,400 8,700 
			 1997-98 10,800 2,700 
			 1998-99 1,100 -500 
			 1999-2000 n/a -200 
			 2000-01 14,300 3,500 
			 2001-02 35,900 18,100 
			 2002-03 25,600 17,100 
			 2003-04 27,000 17,700 
			 2004-05 n/a 12,100 
			 2005-06 n/a 12,800 
			 n/a = data not available, too few farms in sample (1) Minimum size threshold for inclusion in the FBS was as follows: 1980-81 to 1991-92—4 BSU (British Size Units) (1 BSU = 2,000 European Currency Units (now known as euros) of standard gross margin) 1992-93 to 1995-96—8 ESU (European Size Units) (1 ESU = 1,200 European Currency Units (now known as euros) of standard gross margin) 1996-97 onwards—0.5 SLR (Standard Labour Requirement) (2 )These farms are a subset of livestock farms  Source:  Farm Business Survey 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2 
			   Average net farm incomes (£/farm) in South West ( 1) 
			  March/February years ( 2) Dairy farms  Cropping farms ( 3) Horticulture farms  Livestock farms  Organic farms 
			 1980-81 10,400 n/a n/a 8,100 — 
			 1981-82 14,200 21,800 n/a 11,700 — 
			 1882-83 16,400 12,900 4,400 10,000 — 
			 1983-84 8,300 25,100 n/a 6,700 — 
			 1984-85 8,200 24,500 n/a 6,900 — 
			 1985-86 14,500 2,600 3,800 10,400 — 
			 1986-87 13,900 14,100 n/a 9,100 — 
			 1987-88 23,300 10,100 n/a 17,800 — 
			 1988-89 31,200 6,700 13,000 22,500 — 
			 1989-90 26,100 6,200 11,600 17,400 — 
			 1990-91 27,300 24,700 14,900 19,500 — 
			 1991-92 32,400 19,600 13,300 22,300 — 
			 1992-93 29,400 19,100 14,900 19,600 — 
			 1993-94 21,700 15,300 26,600 15,100 — 
			 1994-95 19,300 8,800 16,100 12,600 — 
			 1995-96 33,000 41,400 29,700 26,800 — 
			 1996-97 25,300 28,300 15,900 20,300 — 
			 1997-98 17,800 15,900 18,200 12,000 — 
			 1998-99 10,400 7,500 25,000 7,600 — 
			 1999-2000 7,900 13,800 35,700 5,400 n/a 
			 2000-01 11,300 8,700 27,000 5,100 n/a 
			 2001-02 27,900 11,200 32,800 16,800 n/a 
			 2002-03 19,500 16,500 29,000 14,400 11,400 
			 2003-04 27,100 29,200 37,600 17,700 19,600 
			 2004-05 31,000 17,300 21,700 17,100 19,100 
			 2005-06 30,800 20,900 26,300 17,400 n/a 
			 n/a = data not available, too few farms in sample (1) Minimum size threshold for inclusion in the FBS was as follows: 1980-81 to 1991-92—4 BSU (British Size Units) (1 BSU = 2,000 European Currency Units (now known as euros) of standard gross margin) 1992-93 to 1995-96—8 ESU (European Size Units) (1 ESU = 1200 European Currency Units (now known as euros) of standard gross margin) 1996-97 onwards—0.5 SLR (Standard Labour Requirement) (2) These farms are a subset of livestock farms (3 )These farms are a subset of cropping farms  Source:  Farm Business Survey

Animal Welfare: Convictions

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with police forces in England and Wales on establishing a central database for people convicted of animal welfare crimes.

Jonathan R Shaw: There have been no discussions between DEFRA and police forces in England and Wales on this issue. Data about people convicted of cruelty to animals is already stored in centrally held criminal records.

Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will press for action to be taken under the Berne Convention against countries where control of badgers is undertaken by methods banned under that convention.

Jonathan R Shaw: Badgers ( Meles, meles) are listed as a protected species under appendix III of the Bern Convention, but they are not an endangered species. The Bern Convention provides for exceptions to be made so as to allow the use of means and methods of killing prohibited under appendix IV, subject to certain conditions. I am not aware that any country is breaching the Bern Convention with respect to badger control.

Departments: Regulation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what progress his Department has made towards meeting its target of making a 25 per cent. reduction in administrative burdens on business by the end of 2009;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the cost to business of administrative burdens imposed by regulations from his Department in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what progress has been made by his Department towards its target of 25 per cent. reduction in administrative burdens on business by the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what estimate he has made of the cost to business of administrative burdens and regulations from his Department in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: The total administrative burden from the 362 DEFRA regulations which, as of May 2005 imposed such a burden, was assessed to be £527.8 million per annum. This represents the Department's administrative burden baseline. In our Simplification Plan "Maximising Outcomes, Minimising Burdens", which was published in December 2006 and is available from the Library, administrative reductions of around £159 million were identified. This represents a reduction of 30 per cent. on the baseline. Progress since then will be reported in our 2007 plan which is due for publication in the autumn. However, the Department is progressing well toward meeting its net administrative burden reduction target of 25 per cent. by 2010.
	The cross-Government administrative burden measurement exercise, which identified the baseline administrative burden, was carried out by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) on behalf of the Cabinet Office. The exercise used an internationally agreed model, recommended to the Government by business. As the first UK Government to take this radical approach to managing the regulatory burden, there is no comparable data before 2005 when the exercise was carried out.

Insurance: Motor Vehicles

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with the police about the accuracy of information provided to them by the Motor Insurers Bureau on uninsured drivers; and if she will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 17 July 2007
	The police make extensive use of the Motor Insurance Database (MID) to help identify vehicles being driven uninsured and seize around 1,500 vehicles a week. We are aware of very few cases where it has been alleged that inaccurate data have led to an unjustified seizure and the police inform us that such occurrences are very rare.
	The Motor Insurer's Bureau (MIB) makes information available to the police via the MID.
	The accuracy of the MID is solely the responsibility of the insurance industry. It is for the police to decide in any individual case if they believe the information they obtain from the MID is sufficient to give them reasonable grounds for believing that a vehicle is being driven without appropriate insurance. In cases of doubt the MIB also provides a dedicated police helpline. Any challenge to the police seizure would be a matter for the courts.

Armed Forces: Housing

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning were reported in armed forces accommodation in each year since 1997.

Derek Twigg: Records going back to 1997 are either no longer available or in a collated form. It will take time to identify what information is available and I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
	From the information that is readily available, I can confirm that there have been five suspect cases of carbon monoxide reported since January 2006 in Service Families Accommodation in England and Wales, of which two were substantiated and remedial action taken.

Armed Forces: Life Insurance

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an assessment of the merits of seeking to promote risk-blind life insurance schemes endorsed by his Department for low-risk armed services personnel.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 16 July 2007
	As a matter of policy MOD does not endorse or sponsor any commercial insurance scheme. The MOD, therefore, leaves the decision on whether to take out personal insurance to the individual as individual needs vary and personal insurance is a complex issue which is increasingly regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The MOD does, however, provide significant financial benefits for attributable death and injury during service. These were improved under the 2005 Armed Forces Pension scheme and Compensation scheme introduced on 6 April 2005.
	There are two main life insurance schemes available to Service personnel that cover all risks including war and terrorism. Both provide cover to all personnel, regardless of whether they are low or high risk to the insurer. One of these schemes, PAX (which provides personal accident and life cover) is risk blind as the premium is set at a flat rate for all. Whilst premiums under the other scheme, Service Life insurance (SLI), take account of age and smoking history and therefore are not risk-blind, they are not loaded for high risk activities and are therefore comparable to those paid by civilians.

Departments: BAE Systems

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former departmental staff are working in senior management positions with BAe Systems.

Derek Twigg: The MOD does not hold this information.

Departments: Land

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what disposals his Department made of land in Hampshire in each year since 1997; and whether he required any of the land to be used for social housing.

Derek Twigg: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports the Government's housing agenda and works closely with English Partnerships, the regional development agencies, local authorities and other key stakeholders when considering its disposal strategy. This will often include an assessment of development and regeneration opportunities, including the need for social housing, through the preparation of a planning briefer outline planning application. This can be taken forward by prospective purchasers but it is not for the MOD to impose any requirements.
	The MOD property assets disposed of in Hampshire for the years requested are listed as follows. The list does not include the Service Families Accommodation (SFA) in Hampshire, that was part of the SFA estate in England and Wales sold to Annington Homes Ltd. in 1996.
	While every care has been taken in preparing this response in the time available, the accuracy can not be guaranteed prior to 2000 when electronic records were introduced.
	 Financial year 2006-07
	Clayhall Cottage, 51 Clayhall Road, Gosport
	Defence Munitions Dean Hill, Main Site and adjacent land
	Royal Navy Military Transport Depot, Hilsea
	Queensgate site, Farnborough
	Community Centre, Guillemont Fields, Cove
	Further land at North Lane, Aldershot
	Land at 1 Roman Way, Barton Stacey
	Civil Enclave, Farnborough
	 Financial year 2005-06
	HMS Daedalus Technical Site and Residual Airfield areas
	HMS Daedalus Main Airfield area.
	Fleet Photographic Unit, Stamshaw
	Footbridge above Nimrod Drive (Rowner Footbridge)
	Portsmouth Private Finance Initiative (SFA) Phase 1, Daedalus
	Small plot of land adjacent to Eastney Sports Ground
	Strip of land at 54 Military Road, Gosport
	Small parcel of Land at Oil Fuel Depot Gosport
	Pumphouse Site, Church Crookham
	Land adjacent King George V cottages, Minley
	Land at Lancaster Way, Farnborough
	Minley Farm West, Minley
	 Financial year 2004-05
	The Brambles, 44 Marine Parade West, Lee-on-the-Solent.
	1-46 Rodney Close, Rowner, Gosport
	Land at Seafield Park, Stubbington
	Land at Manor House Farm, Barton Stacey
	Garden Land at Amport House, Andover
	Ski-Slope, Aldershot
	Burger King/Car wash site, Wellington Ave, Aldershot
	Land at Norris Bridge, Aldershot
	RAF Officers' Mess, Farnborough Rd, Farnborough
	Land adjacent to Hawley Training Area
	Land at North Lane, Aldershot
	 Financial year 2003-04
	Disposal of SCU Leydene, East Meon
	Sale of Fort Southwick, Portsdown
	2-12 (even) Military Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth
	Royal Engineer Lines/St. Lucia Lodge, Bordon
	Land at Hospital Road, Aldershot
	Land at The Ferns, Aldershot
	Vine Cottage Bungalow plot, Aldershot
	 Financial year 2002-03
	Land at United Services Sports Ground, Portsmouth
	DERA Alverstoke, Fort Monckton, Fort Road, Gosport.
	Portsdown Land Based Test Site, Southwick Road, Cosham
	DERA Pyestock
	DERA Farnborough
	Land at St. Christopher's Road, Cove
	Land at Lions Field, Oakhanger
	Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Church Crookham
	T site, Farnborough Airfield
	 Financial year 2001-02
	Disposal of Searles House, Winchester
	Disposal of Industrial land, Frater Gate, Gosport
	Frater Metal Tents site, Royal Navy Armament Depot Frater, Gosport
	 Financial year 2000-01
	Cambridge House
	Sale of Pewitt Island
	Territorial Army Centre Redan Road, Aldershot
	Martin Lines, Church Crookham
	Woodland/pond, Pumphouse Triangle, Woolmer
	Further land at Pumphouse Triangle, Woolmer
	Lasham Timber Mill, Lasham
	Territorial Army HQ, Carlton Terrace, Southampton
	 Financial year 1999-2000
	Wireless Transmitter Station Stubbington
	Beaumont Stables and Riding School, Aldershot
	Lasham Airfield, Lasham
	Factory site, Farnborough
	Land for link road, Woolmer
	Area K, Bordon
	 Financial year 1998-99
	Sale of Royal Navy Victualling Depot Botley
	Plot 2 Development land, Norway Road (Rugby Camp)
	Sale of Boat Compound, Ferry Road
	Plot 1 Development land, Norway Road (Rugby Camp)
	Eastney Furniture Store
	Disposal of land at United Services Sports Ground, Portsmouth
	Anglesey Lodge, Aldershot
	Land at Coopers Lane, Bramley
	 Financial year 1997-98
	Sale of Fleet Air Arm Memorial
	Land at the junction of Manor Way and Newton Place
	Bunker Site, Brune Way
	HMS Nelson, Gunwharf
	Sale of Royal Marines Association Pavilion, Eastney, Portsmouth
	Land at Tipner Lane Portsmouth
	Land at Stamshaw Promenade
	Hilsea Sportsfield
	Sale of land at Hilsea Sportsfields
	Ordnance Supply Unit Liphook, Liphook
	48, Coopers Lane, Bramley

Departments: Public Appointments

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the business appointments process comprises; and whether interviews are required in addition to written applications.

Des Browne: holding answer 16 July 2007
	The 'Rules on the Acceptance of Outside Appointments by Crown Servants' are set out in The Civil Service Management Code (Section 4.3 Annex A). Applications from MOD staff at Senior Civil Service Pay Band 2 (SCS PB2) or military equivalent and below will be approved at an appropriate senior level within the MOD, taking into consideration the results of internal consultation and representations from competitor companies, and, in the case of SCS PB2 level applicants, the views of the Head of the Home Civil Service. For more senior applicants, the MOD provides the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments with a recommendation and the final decision is made by the Prime Minister on the advice of the Advisory Committee.
	Interviews are not required, but a meeting may be requested by an applicant before a final decision is taken on their application.

Ex-servicemen: Disabled

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average period of time was for former service personnel between their discharge from service and receipt of veterans' disability benefits was in each month in the last five years.

Derek Twigg: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Iraq: Peace Keeping Operations

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many fatalities there were in  (a) Iraq and  (b) Afghanistan in each year since 2003.

Des Browne: Information on casualties and fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan is published on the MOD website (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/ OperationsFactsheets) two weeks in arrears.
	The following table shows the number of fatalities UK forces have suffered while carrying out operation in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003.
	
		
			   Operation 
			   Telic (Iraq)  Herrick (Afghanistan) 
			 2003 53 0 
			 2004 22 1 
			 2005 23 1 
			 2006 29 39 
			 1 January 2007-15 July 2007 32 20

Navy: Military Bases

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when further consultation over the naval bases review will be commissioned; when it will begin; for what reason further consultation is being undertaken; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: The naval base review (NBR) is currently considering a number of broad cross-Government issues. As part of this work, we are currently engaged with other Government Departments including HM Treasury, the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Department for Communities and Local Government. Working with them, we are assessing the possible cross-Government cost implications for the different NBR options to ensure a clear understanding of the best value for the taxpayer.
	While this complex pan-Government work is progressing well, further work is required before final conclusions can be reached. One aspect of this additional work might be the need for public consultation.

Nimrod Aircraft

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF personnel are stationed at the Nimrod MRA4 trainer facility at Kinloss on an  (a) permanent and  (b) temporary basis; and at what cost in the last period for which figures are available.

Bob Ainsworth: Five RAF personnel are permanently stationed at the Nimrod MRA4 training facility at RAF Kinloss and their costs are estimated at £400,000 per annum. RAF members of the joint MOD/BAE Systems flight trials team who are stationed at Warton travel to RAF Kinloss to man the simulator as required to assess the operation of the simulator against the actual aircraft and to confirm its suitability for training. Costs of these personnel are not separately recorded.

RAF Lakenheath: Nuclear Weapons

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many US nuclear weapons are based at USAF Lakenheath, Suffolk; and what plans there are to reduce the number.

Bob Ainsworth: NATO's Strategic Concept (paragraph 63) states that
	"Nuclear forces based in Europe and committed to NATO provide an essential political and military link between the European and the North American members of the Alliance. The Alliance will therefore maintain adequate nuclear forces in Europe."
	It is NATO and UK policy not to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at a given location.

Iran: Nuclear Power

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he has made to the remarks by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at the 9 July meeting of the IAEA board of governors that there has been a slowing in the process of commissioning new cascades in Iran's centrifuge facility at Natanz; and what the change in the use of centrifuges at Natanz has been.

David Miliband: We have noted the remarks of the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr. ElBaradei, about a slowing in the process of commissioning new cascades at Natanz. We await further information from the IAEA before we can make a detailed assessment of this development, but a key point is that the relevant UN Security Council resolutions require Iran to suspend all enrichment-related activities, not merely to slow down the rate of their expansion.

Middle East: Terrorism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what recent representations he has made to the Palestinian authorities on the production of children's videos encouraging attacks on Israeli citizens; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what recent representations he has made to Arab governments on the production of children's videos encouraging attacks on Israeli citizens; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: Following the broadcast in April of a Palestinian children's TV programme which sought to incite violence against Israel and the US, the then Palestinian National Unity government asked the TV station to stop the programme. The then Palestinian Information Minister, Mustafa Barghouti said the programme took a "mistaken approach" to the political situation. The programme was finally pulled on 29 June. We have not made any representations to the Palestinian Authority or Arab governments on this issue.
	The UK continues to condemn any actions which incites hatred and violence.

Moldova: Official Visits

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to support the first ever visit of the President of Moldova to the United Kingdom in autumn 2007; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: We are looking at future opportunities for inward visits from Moldova from senior figures including the President of Moldova. The timing of the president's visit, however, has not yet been confirmed.
	The UK enjoys a constructive relationship with Moldova and welcomes further co-operation between the UK and Moldova both bilaterally and within the EU. Over the last year, we have welcomed many high profile visitors to the UK, particularly Moldovan Ministers and parliamentarians. The Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, Dr. Marian Lupu, visited the UK in February last year for meetings with Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials. Valeriu Ostalep, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration visited the UK in July 2006, while the Minister of Defence, Valeriu Plesca, visited the UK in September 2006, meeting with, among others, my noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence, Lord Drayson. My right hon. Friend the then Minister for Europe (Mr. Hoon) met President Voronin and other senior figures during his visit to Moldova in February this year, and met the First Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs. Zinaida Grecianîi, on her visit here last November.

Nuclear Disarmament

Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by what means he plans to take forward the proposals announced by his predecessor to the Carnegie International conference on 25 June of creating a disarmament laboratory to support a verification of the dismantlement of nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the former Foreign Secretary (Margaret Beckett) announced that the UK would act as a "disarmament laboratory" for the thinking and practical work required to move forward global nuclear disarmament.
	As the speech made clear, we are supporting an independent International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) in-depth study to help determine the requirements for the eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons. In particular, we are working with IISS on holding a workshop to focus on some of the crucial technical questions in this area.
	We have also tasked the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston with some detailed work on key stages in the verification of the reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons. This work is beginning and will produce results over the next few years.

Palestinians: Politics and Government

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is  (a) taking and  (b) plans to take to strengthen the emergency government of Mahmoud Abbas; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: EU Foreign Ministers agreed at the 18 June General Affairs and External Relations Council to urgent practical and financial assistance including: direct financial support to the new Palestinian government; support to the Palestinian civilian police; the resumption of the EU border assistance mission at the Rafah (Gaza-Egypt) crossing; and intensive efforts to build the institutions of a future Palestinian state.
	On 19 June, my right. hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for International Development (Hilary Benn) announced a £1 million contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross' work in Gaza and the West Bank. We continue to support the temporary international mechanism, which plays a valuable role in providing assistance to the Palestinian people. We are also working with the new emergency government to help bring stability and security to the occupied Palestinian territories.

Palestinians: Politics and Government

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority to amend the Fatah constitution to remove articles that call for eradication of Israel; what response was received; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The Fatah Constitution does call for the "eradication of Zionist economic, political, military and cultural existence". But Fatah, as a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), is a signatory to the Oslo Peace Accords, which clearly states that "the PLO recognises the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and security".
	The letter of mutual recognition from Yasser Arafat, representing the PLO at the time, to Yitzhak Rabin, the then Israeli Prime Minister, in September 1993 clearly states
	"the PLO affirms that those articles of the Palestinian Covenant which deny Israel's right to exist, and the provisions of the Covenant which are inconsistent with the commitments of this letter are now inoperative and no longer valid. Consequently, the PLO undertakes to submit to the Palestinian National Council for formal approval the necessary changes in regard to the Palestinian Covenant."
	We have therefore not made any representations to Palestinian President Abbas on this issue.

Western Sahara: Referendums

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the UN Secretary General on the possibility of a referendum on the future of the Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: My right. hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not discussed the question of western Sahara with the UN Secretary-General, but UK officials in New York are in regular contact with their UN counterparts. We will continue, through my meetings and those of officials, to discuss this issue with all interested parties.
	The UK regards the status of western Sahara as undetermined, pending UN efforts to find a solution. To this end, the UK fully supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy to the western Sahara, Peter van Walsum, to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self determination of the people of western Sahara.
	The UN Security Council adopted UN Security Council Resolution 1754 on 30 April, which extended the mandate of the UN mission for the referendum in western Sahara. There are no plans for a referendum to be held in the near future. However, the resolution also called for both sides to enter into negotiations without preconditions. The UK welcomes the first round of these talks between the parties, hosted by the UN in Manhasset, New York, on 18-19 June, and the agreement by all parties to take part in a further round in August.

Children: Databases

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  when he expects the Contactpoint project to commence operation;
	(2)  how many people are expected to be able to access Contactpoint;
	(3)  what response he has had from local authorities about their preparedness to commence operation of Contactpoint;
	(4)  how much has been spent on Contactpoint; and how much has been budgeted for completion of the project;
	(5)  what estimate has been made of the annual running costs of Contactpoint once it has been initiated.

Kevin Brennan: In relation to question 150348, ContactPoint will be available to all local authorities in England by the end of 2008. By that time the system will have also been made available to our National Partners—Barnardo's, NSPCC, NCH, the Children's Society, KIDS, Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service—who will work with us in implementing the system and who will grant access and manage users in their organisations when it is operational. ContactPoint will be deployed initially in April 2008 to 17 Early Adopter authorities and Barnardo's, the Early Adopter National Partner.
	In relation to question 150349, we estimate that there will be some 330,000 ContactPoint users working in education, health, social care, youth justice and the voluntary sector.
	In relation to question 150350, we are working closely with all local authorities and National Partners to ensure their readiness for deployment in 2008. They provide regular reports on their progress to the Department, through an online tool—the local authority readiness assessment (LARA) system. Departmental officials also provide significant support to each authority and National Partner, in particular through a team of 11 regional coordinators who offer one to one support and bi-monthly networking and update opportunities. Local authorities and National Partners have also been provided with a range of tools and other support and guidance materials. Progress towards readiness to receive access to ContactPoint is on track.
	In relation to question 150351, we spent £28.4 million in 2006-07 and a further £11.2 million in the first three months of 2007-08. The total costs for implementing the system are estimated at £224 million. This includes the costs of adapting systems that will supply the data to ContactPoint and adapting the day-to-day systems used by practitioners they can access ContactPoint from their own systems. It also includes the costs to ensure security, data accuracy and staff training.
	In relation to question 150352, running costs thereafter are estimated to be £41 million per year. Most of this will go directly to local authorities to fund staff to ensure the ongoing security, accuracy and audit of ContactPoint.

Departments: Policy

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families when he plans to publish the goals and direction for his Department for the next 10 years including his Children's Plan; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Balls: As I set out in my statement to the House on 10 July 2007, we are launching a nationwide consultation to draw up a children's plan for our country. I plan to be able to report the results of that consultation and set out the emerging children's plan in the autumn setting out the goals and directions for the department for the next 10 years.

Pupil Exclusions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many pupils were  (a) temporarily and  (b) permanently excluded from English (i) infant schools, (ii) primary schools, (iii) secondary schools and (iv) colleges in each year since 1990-91, broken down by age; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: The available information on fixed term and permanent exclusions is contained in the following tables. The breakdown of infant schools and colleges requested is not available.
	Information is not available back to 1990/91. Data were collected for earlier years for permanent exclusions but not published as part of the most recent Statistical First Release.
	
		
			  Maintained primary, secondary and special schools( 1, 2) : Number of fixed period exclusions by type of school—England, 2003/04-2005/06( 3) 
			   2003/04( 3, 4)  2004/05( 4)  2005/06( 5) 
			  Primary schools
			 Number of fixed period exclusions 41,300 43,720 n/a 
			 Percentage of fixed period exclusions(6) 12 11 n/a 
			 Percentage of school population(7) 0.97 1.04 n/a 
			 
			  Secondary schools
			 Number of fixed period exclusions 288,040 329,680 343,840 
			 Percentage of fixed period exclusions(6) 84 85 n/a 
			 Percentage of school population(7) 8.66 9.94 10.40 
			 
			  Special schools
			 Number of fixed period exclusions 15,170 16,170 n/a 
			 Percentage of fixed period exclusions(6) 4 4 n/a 
			 Percentage of school population(7) 17.45 18.91 n/a 
			 
			  All schools
			 Number of fixed period exclusions 344,510 389,560 n/a 
			 Percentage of fixed period exclusions(6) 100 100 n/a 
			 Percentage of school population(7) 4.49 5.12 n/a 
			 n/a = Not available (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes maintained special schools. Excludes non-maintained special schools. (3) In 2003/04, information on fixed period exclusions was collected for the first time. (4) Information on fixed period exclusions has been derived from Termly Exclusion Survey returns. (5) For the 2005/06 school year, information on fixed period exclusions from secondary schools was collected via the School Census for the first time (the Termly Exclusions Survey has been discontinued). For exclusions during 2006/07, information on fixed period exclusions will also be collected from primary and special schools. (6) The number of fixed period exclusions expressed as a percentage of the total number. (7) The number of fixed period exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of all pupils (excluding dually registered pupils) in January each year.  Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: Termly Exclusions Survey and School Census 
		
	
	
		
			  Maintained primary, secondary and special schools( 1, 2) : Number of permanent exclusions by type of school—England, 1997/98-2005/06 
			   1997/98  1998/99  1999/2000  2000/01( 3)  2001/02  2002/03  2003/04  2004/05  2005/06 
			  Primary schools  
			 Number of permanent exclusions 1,540 1,370 1,230 1,440 1,450 1,300 1,270 1,090 970 
			 Percentage of permanent exclusions(4) 13 13 15 16 15 14 13 12 11 
			 Percentage of school population(5) 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.02 
			   
			  Secondary schools  
			 Number of permanent exclusions 10,190 8,640 6,710 7,310 7,740 7,690 8,320 8,070 7,990 
			 Percentage of permanent exclusions(4) 83 83 81 80 81 83 84 85 87 
			 Percentage of school population(5) 0.33 0.28 0.21 0.23 0.24 0.23 0.25 0.24 0.24 
			   
			  Special schools  
			 Number of permanent exclusions 570 440 380 390 340 300 300 280 210 
			 Percentage of permanent exclusions(4) 5 4 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 
			 Percentage of school population(5) 0.58 0.45 0.40 0.41 0.36 0.32 0.33 0.31 0.23 
			  All schools  
			 Number of permanent exclusions 12,300 10,440 8,320 9,140 9,540 9,290 9,880 9,440 9,170 
			 Percentage of permanent exclusions(4) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 
			 Percentage of school population(5) 0.16 0.14 0.11 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.13 0.12 0.12 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes both maintained and non-maintained special schools. (3) Permanent exclusions for 2000/01 are estimated as a number of local authorities have not confirmed the data for their schools. (4) The number of permanent exclusions expressed as a percentage of the total number. (5) The number of permanent exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of all pupils (excluding dually registered pupils in special schools) in January each year.  Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: School Census 
		
	
	These tables were published as part of the recent Statistical First Release on exclusions which can be found at:
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000733/index.shtml.

Pupils: Intimidation

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families pursuant to the Prime Minister's answer of 4 July 2007,  Official Report, column 956, what the basis was for the Prime Minister's statement that the additional funding for Childline would be spread over two years; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Balls: The Government plans to provide the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children with a £30 million grant to help the NSPCC update and expand its helpline services, including ChildLine, which support vulnerable children and help keep them safe from abuse. The grant will in fact be spread over the next four years.

School Meals: Take-Up

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of children in English schools took school meals in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: Information on the quality, availability and uptake of school meals is not held centrally. However, data from the school census shows the proportion taking free school meals as at January 2007 was 13.1 per cent. in maintained nursery and primary schools and 9.6 per cent. in maintained secondary schools. This compares with 13.3 per cent. and 9.9 per cent. respectively for January 2006. Figures for earlier years cannot be provided due to time constraints.
	Also, figures from the School Food Trust's 2006 annual survey of school meals take-up in England showed that take-up of school meals in 2005-06 was 42.3 per cent. in primary schools and 42.7 per cent. in secondary schools. Findings from the 2007 survey will be available in August.

Sure Start Programme: Ethnic Groups

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what representations he has received from ethnic minority groups on the Sure Start scheme;
	(2)  what expenditure there has been on targeting the Sure Start scheme at ethnic minority communities;
	(3)  what comparative studies his Department has commissioned on the value of the Sure Start scheme to different ethnic minority communities;
	(4)  what discussions officials in his Department have had with counterparts in the Department for Communities and Local Government on the assistance provided by the Sure Start scheme to ethnic minority communities.

Beverley Hughes: Supporting families from Black and minority ethnic families is a key priority for Sure Start local programmes and children's centres. The Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) allocates grant funding to local authorities and decisions on spending this are taken locally. However we encourage them to take positive steps to provide services specially targeted to meet the needs of Black and minority ethnic families.
	A comprehensive national evaluation of the Sure Start programme is being carried out on behalf of DCSF by the Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Social Issues, Birkbeck, University of London. This looks extensively at the experience of ethnic minority communities in Sure Start local programmes and specifically includes an assessment of the impact of Sure Start local programmes on child, family and parental outcomes from which impacts for children and families from different ethnic minority groups can be identified. The national evaluation uses the 2001 census ethnic group classification with results generally focusing on the following groups: White, Mixed Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black Caribbean, Black African and Other. An early assessment of the impact of Sure Start local programmes on children, families and communities published in November 2005 found no significant differences in outcomes for children and families from different ethnic minority groups. The next phase of the longitudinal study of impacts is due to be published in spring 2008 and will include an assessment of impacts of the Sure Start programme for different ethnic minority groups. In addition, a focused study on how Sure Start Local Programmes worked with Black and minority ethnic groups that identifies good practice in working with BME groups has also been carried out as part of the national evaluation and is available on the DCSF website at:
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/RRP/u015229/index.shtml.
	The revised practice guidance for local authorities and Sure Start children's centres, published last November, took account of the findings in the focused study report and gave advice about how to engage and support families from Black and minority ethnic communities. We also issued late last year a performance management framework to help local authorities and children's centres judge how well their services were meeting and improving outcomes for families. This included specific advice about monitoring access and outcomes of Black and minority ethnic families. In addition, 'Together for Children', the consortium appointed to support local authorities during the children's centre roll-out, have produced a toolkit which features advice and case studies on reaching families at greatest risk of social exclusion, including Black and minority ethnic families.
	My officials are in contact with their counterparts at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) about how Sure Start children's centres provide support to minority ethnic communities and DCLG are also represented on the steering group for the national evaluation of Sure Start. My Department has received no representations from ethnic minority groups on the Sure Start scheme.

Afghanistan: Overseas Aid

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on delivery of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan.

Shahid Malik: According to the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA)(1), the following has been contributed to the humanitarian effort in Afghanistan over the last three years:
	
		
			   US  $ 
			 2004 162,366,273 
			 2005 79,906,460 
			 2006 153,181,425 
		
	
	Prior to 2003, the majority of DFID aid to Afghanistan was focused on immediate reconstruction and humanitarian needs. In 2003-04, the focus shifted to long- term developmental programmes in support of the government of Afghanistan.
	DFID still retains some limited capacity to respond to humanitarian crises. For example, in 2006-07 the UK committed the following humanitarian aid to Afghanistan: £1 million for drought mitigation; £1.2 million to support HALO Trust's de-mining programme; and £30,000 to provide food and other essential items like soap and blankets for 3,000 internally displaced families in Helmand.
	Security concerns present difficulties for NGOs and development workers wishing to operate in some areas, particularly the south. This is why the presence of NATO forces, and British troops in Helmand, are essential to create the conditions in which humanitarian aid can be delivered more effectively. The vast majority of Afghans want to see a peaceful, prosperous, democratic country. We will continue to support them.
	(1) OCHA website database at:
	www.ocha.unog.ch; appeal and funding

Queen's Speech

John Heppell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will consult Parliament and the public on the contents of the Queen's Speech.

Jack Straw: Last Wednesday my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister set out the details of the content of the provisional list of Bills for the next parliamentary session. His purpose was such that our government's initial thinking, previously private, could be the subject of widespread discussion and public debate. Full information is now available on the Cabinet Office website and in hard copy. We want to hear from all Parliamentarians, members of the public and individual groups their views on what was proposed.

Governance of Britain Green Paper

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to his Department's Green Paper on the governance of Britain, if he will make a statement on his future plans for constitutional reform, further devolution and electoral reform.

Michael Wills: The Prime Minister and I published the Green Paper, 'The Governance of Britain', on 3 July. A range of reforms have already been introduced, including:
	appointment of regional Ministers;
	publication of the proposed legislative programme, accompanied by the Prime Minister's statement to the House;
	revocation of legislation allowing special advisers to give orders to civil servants;
	publication of a revised ministerial code;
	creation of the National Security Council; and
	commitment of the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Defence to neither add nor subtract names from the final Honours List passed to HM the Queen.
	In the coming weeks, we intend to publish a consultation paper on the role of the Attorney-General, to launch the Goldsmith Review of Citizenship, to set up a Youth Citizenship Commission and to finalise arrangements for regional select committees. In the longer term, it is proposed to introduce a Constitutional Reform Bill to Parliament in the next Session, to complete the voting systems review and to begin work on engaging with the British people on a statement of values. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in his statement to the House:
	"As we focus on the challenges that we face...our starting point should be to discuss together and then...agree and set down the values, founded in liberty, which define our citizenship and help to define our country."
	Finally, while we do not envisage further devolution of powers from the UK Parliament to national assemblies, the Green Paper makes it clear that the Government remains committed to enhancing democracy by devolving more power directly to the people. In line with this we are to consult on a range of measures to fully engage local people in local decisions.

Oakhill Secure Training Centre: Inspections

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he will place in the Library a copy of the inspection reports on Oakhill Secure Training Centre by the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate.

David Hanson: In accordance with the service level agreement between Ofsted, the Youth Justice Board and the Ministry of Justice, papers received following the unannounced inspections at Oakhill secure training centre in January and April 2007 will be included as appendices to the report of the next announced inspection of the centre. The inspection will be conducted by Ofsted and is due to take place in October. The report will be a publicly available document.

Alcoholic Drinks: Young People

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many deaths of teenagers there were in which alcohol was cited as a cause or contributing factor in  (a) 2007 and  (b) the last five years.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 18 July 2007:
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many deaths of teenagers there were in which alcohol was cited as a cause or contributing factor in (a) 2007 and (b) the last five years. I am replying in her absence. (150412)
	The latest year for which figures are available is 2006. The table below shows the number of deaths of teenagers where an alcohol-related cause was the underlying cause of death or was mentioned as a contributory factor on the death certificate. Figures are provided from 2001 to 2006.
	
		
			  Number of deaths of those aged 13 to 19 where an alcohol-related cause( 1)  was the underlying cause of death or was mentioned as a contributory factor on the death certificate the death certificate,( 2)  England and Wales, 2001-06( 3) 
			   Underlying cause of death  Mentioned as contributory factor 
			 2001 10 40 
			 2002 1 25 
			 2003 6 35 
			 2004 3 45 
			 2005 9 53 
			 2006 3 42 
			 (1 )Selected using the National Statistics definition of alcohol-related deaths. The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes for the definition are listed as follows: F10—Mental and behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol G31.2—Degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol G62.1—Alcoholic polyneuropathy I42.6—Alcoholic cardiomyopathy K29.2—Alcoholic gastritis K70—Alcoholic liver disease K73—Chronic hepatitis, not elsewhere classified K74—Fibrosis and cirrhosis of liver(excluding K74.3-K74.5—billiary cirrhosis) K86.0—Alcohol induced pancreatitis X45—Accidental poisoning by and exposure to alcohol X65—Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to alcohol Y15—Poisoning by and exposure to alcohol, undetermined intent (2) The number of deaths—where an alcohol-related cause was mentioned as a contributory factor also includes those deaths where the cause was selected as the underlying cause of death. (3) Data are for deaths registered in each calendar year.

Departments: Legislation

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what legislative provisions introduced by his Department since 1997 have been repealed.

Angela Eagle: Between 1997 and 16 July 2007 60 Acts have received Royal Assent, of those Acts 28 have been repealed in full. Of the 28 Acts that are no longer in force, 26 were Appropriation or Consolidated Fund Acts the remaining two were repealed as a result of a consolidation exercise.

Office of Government Commerce: Reviews

Margaret Moran: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  if he will hold discussions with ministerial colleagues on ensuring that departmental audit committees act on recommendations of Gateway reviews;
	(2)  if he will take steps to ensure that Ministers hold regular reviews of mission critical ICT projects being undertaken by their Department.

Angela Eagle: The role of departmental audit committees in scrutinising information about a department's major projects and programmes, including information from Gateway reports, and regular reporting for Ministers on mission critical projects, has been raised by the Public Accounts Committee in their report, 'Delivering successful IT-enabled business change' [HC113 5 June 2007]. The Government will be responding to the PAC's recommendation in a Treasury Minute.

Unemployment: Young People

James Clappison: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many 16 to 18-year-olds are not in education, employment or training, broken down by constituency in ascending order.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how frequently representatives of  (a) the devolved administrations and  (b) his Department meet the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 17 July 2007
	Officials from both the Department and the Devolved Administration meet the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence on a regular basis and formally each quarter.

Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the statutory mechanisms are for monitoring the performance of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 17 July 2007
	The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence is required by law to submit its annual accounts to the Secretary of State, devolved administrations, Controller and Auditor General, in respect of each year. Its annual report is also laid before Parliament.
	There are also non-statutory quarterly meetings where the Department, along with the devolved administrations meet the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence to discuss performance and finance.

Dental Services: Kent

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are registered with a dentist in Kent; how many NHS dental practices there are in Kent; and how many are accepting new NHS patients.

Ann Keen: Registration data no longer forms part of the data available under the new national health service dental contractual arrangements. The new measure is patients seen in the previous 24 months and is not comparable to the registration data for earlier years.
	Numbers of patients seen, by adult and child, in the previous 24 months ending 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, 31 December 2006 and 31 March 2007 in West Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Eastern and Coastal Kent Teaching PCT are available in section F1 of annex 3 of the "NHS Dental Statistics for England Q4: 31 March 2007" report. This report is available in the Library.
	Information is as at England, strategic health authority and PCT level and the report, published by the Information Centre for health and social care, is also available at:
	www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentalq4
	As at 9 July 2007, there were 103 NHS dental surgeries within West Kent PCT and 97 NHS dental surgeries within Eastern and Coastal Kent Teaching PCT.
	The areas have been defined using practice postcodes within the PCT area. The figure provides a snapshot of the number of addresses with a contract at the specified date.
	No information concerning the amount of time dedicated to NHS work by individual dentists within practices is available.
	The number of dental surgeries that are accepting new NHS patients is not collected centrally.
	 Sources:
	The Information Centre for health and social care
	NHS Business Services Authority (BSA).

Family Practitioner Services: Working Hours

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision was made in his Department's 2002 Spending Review settlement to finance out-of-hours care.

Ben Bradshaw: The funds for providing out-of-hours primary medical care services were included within various funding streams relating to primary medical services, but the total out-of-hours element was not separately identified.
	Prior to 2004-05, general practitioners (GPs) were contractually responsible for their registered patients 24-hours a day. GPs covered by the general medical services contract received their funding based on a number of fees and allowances. Only a proportion of these were related to the time of day at which the care was provided. GPs covered by the personal medical services scheme had locally agreed contracts with their primary care trust.

Health Professions Council: Public Appointments

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors he took into account in deciding that the Health Professions Council should have an appointed membership.

Ben Bradshaw: Chapter 1 of the White Paper 'Trust, Assurance and safety' sets out a series of measures to ensure the independence of the national professional regulators. In order to exercise their functions effectively and command the confidence of patients, the public and the professions, they need to be seen to be independent and impartial in their actions. To ensure that this is the case, the White Paper proposes that:
	there will be equal membership between lay and professional members, to ensure that professional concerns do not dominate their work;
	all councils will be more accountable to Parliament, presenting annual reports to the United Kingdom Parliament;
	to dispel the perception that councils are overly sympathetic to the professionals they regulate, council members will be independently appointed;
	for councils to focus on strategy. They will become smaller and more-board like, and independently appointed.

Hospitals: Locums

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which trusts are taking steps to appoint three month locum to hospital posts.

Ben Bradshaw: The information requested is not held centrally. We are aware that there are locum appointments to training being advertised during the round two period. Although locum appointments to training are Deanery approved training posts, it is for local trusts to determine their duration. They can be for any period but are usually from three to six months.

Hyperactivity: Drugs

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what scientific evidence is available to support the existence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for which Ritalin and psychiatric drugs are prescribed.

Ann Keen: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neuro developmental disorder characterised by core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are outside the range of normal for the developmental stage of the person and cause impairment in functioning and was first described in 1902. Diagnosis is based on recognising these behavioural traits and making a judgment as to whether they are outside the range of normal. The traits are present in people without ADHD, and lie along a continuum. There is no diagnostic test as yet.
	ADHD is similar to other conditions where there is not yet a biological marker and symptoms are on a continuum, such as blood pressure and height. There is evidence of genetic and environmental components to the aetiology of ADHD and it is highly heritable but the inheritance is complex and likely to be due to a combination of genes acting together. Molecular genetics shows the relationship between various markers of ADHD and neurotransmitter receptor and transporter genes.

Maternity Diseases: Infectious Diseases

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of  (a) MRSA,  (b) C lostridium difficile and  (c) other hospital acquired infections there were in each year since 2000 in (i) neonatal and (ii) maternity units, broken down by NHS trust.

Ann Keen: The specific information requested concerning prevalence in neonatal and maternity units is not collected. The best available data are given as follows but will include both community and health care acquired infections.
	 Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
	The Health Protection Agency (HPA) collects data on the sex and age of cases of MRSA bloodstream infections through its voluntary surveillance scheme. The scheme does not collect data on where infection was acquired (e.g. neonatal unit, or maternity unit).
	The youngest of the standard age groups is under one year.
	
		
			  MRSA bacteraemia reports from children aged under one year (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) 2000 to 2005 
			   Total 
			 2000 37 
			 2001 44 
			 2002 41 
			 2003 66 
			 2004 47 
			 2005 63 
			  Note: Figures correct at 5 June 2007.  Source: HPA voluntary surveillance scheme 
		
	
	 Clostridium difficile
	The HPA's voluntary reporting scheme collects data on age and sex of cases. The scheme does not collect data on where infection was acquired (e.g. neonatal unit, or maternity unit). The following table shows the number of cases of  Clostridium difficile for children from birth to one in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 2000-06.
	
		
			  Age  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Under one month 36 38 36 35 34 37 
			 One to five months 36 51 49 58 48 42 
			 Six to 11 months 35 40 34 43 44 40 
		
	
	The information is likely to be an underestimate as not all laboratories report. Further, testing of children under two years of age may be limited owing to a general belief that the presence of  C. difficile is not usually clinically significant in this age group as asymptomatic carriage, including production of toxins A and B, is common in this age group No other data on healthcare associated infections are available by age group.
	No other data on health care associated infections are available by age group.

Mental Health Services: Greater London

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the numbers of people provided with mental health counselling services by  (a) NHS bodies and  (b) publicly-supported voluntary groups in each London borough in (i) the last 12 months and (ii) each of the last three years.

Ivan Lewis: The data requested is not held centrally.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: Meat

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the threat to human health of MRSA in  (a) live animals and  (b) animal meat.

Ann Keen: The scientific evidence does not indicate that Meticillin-resistant  Staphylococcus aureus in food animals or meat is a significant public health risk. However if the Health Protection Agency receives samples from people who have a link with veterinary work the strains are examined closely to assess whether there may be any animal origin. The Department's expert advisory committee on antimicrobial resistance and health care associated infection will keep this area under review.
	Following advice on appropriate cleaning and handling, storage and cooking of meat is important in preparing food safely and preventing/minimising the risk of contamination by micro organisms.

NHS Next Stage Review

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the statement of 4 July 2007,  Official Report, column 970, on the NHS next stage review, on what projects the £750 million community hospital capital funding has been  (a) allocated to be spent and  (b) already spent; what mechanisms have been used to allocate funding; and how much has been (i) allocated and (ii) spent on each project.

Ben Bradshaw: Allocations from the £750 million community hospital and services capital fund will be spread over the five years ending in 2010-11. Fourteen capital schemes have been approved, supporting a range of different types of community facilities:
	new primary care centre in Washington in Sunderland;
	redevelopment of the Gosport War Memorial hospital;
	development of a new community health centre in Yate, Bristol;
	establishment of a Healthy Living park in Minehead, West Somerset;
	redevelopment of the Barking hospital;
	new health and social care centre in Teddington;
	new primary care centre in Hastings;
	redevelopment of the Royal South Hampshire hospital;
	new primary care centre in Ashfield;
	redevelopment of the Felixstowe community hospital;
	new primary care centre in Rotherham;
	new community hospital in Bristol;
	new community hospital in Hornsey; and
	additional community services in Calderdale and Kirklees.
	The total cost of these schemes is £94.56 million. £33.6 million has been allocated to primary care trusts in 2007-08 reflecting spending profiles. We do not monitor actual spent on individual schemes at the centre. That is for primary care trusts and their strategic health authorities.
	Proposals are assessed against the ten design principles set out in "Our health, our care, our community: investing in the future of community hospitals and services".

NHS Treatment Centres: Private Sector

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 17 May 2007,  Official Report, column 925W, on NHS treatment centres: private sector, when he expects to publish the Healthcare Commission's full report on the quality of care in such centres.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 2 July 2007
	 I understand the Healthcare Commission intends to publish its full report on the Quality of Care in Independent Sector Treatment Centres on the 19 July 2007.

NHS: Complaints

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times he and his predecessor decided a reference from a local overview and scrutiny committee should not go to the Independent Review Panel in the last two years; and how many references from overview and scrutiny committees he and his predecessor received in that period.

Ann Keen: As of 10 July 2007, there were 23 referrals from Overview and Scrutiny Committees to the Secretary of State for Health between 1 July 2005 and 10 July 2007. The Secretary of State has sought the advice of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel in relation to eight of the 23 referrals.

NHS: Consultants

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 14 June 2007 to the hon. Member for Rayleigh,  Official Report, column 1313W, on NHS: consultants, what estimate was made of the cost of new consultants' contracts at the time of the 2002 comprehensive spending review settlement for his Department; and what his current estimate is of the cost of the contracts over the period of that review.

Ann Keen: We estimated during SR2002 that the costs of introducing the consultant contract would be an additional £565 million over the first three years.
	The National Audit Office (NAO) report on the consultant contract, published in April 2007, included two sets of plausible methods for calculating the actual cost of the contract. The NAO estimated that the contract may have cost the national health service, over the first three years between £649 million and £765 million more than if consultants had remained on the old contract, compared to departmental funding of £715 million over that period.

NHS: Flags

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to health trusts on the flying of the Union flag on a daily basis at National Health Service premises; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Individuals, local authorities and other organisations, including national health service trusts, may fly the Union flag whenever they wish subject to compliance with any local planning requirements. This is considered a matter for local determination and no guidance has been issued to the NHS.

NHS: Reviews

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether ongoing reconfigurations around the UK will be affected by Professor Darzi's review of the NHS.

Ann Keen: holding answer 17 July 2007
	I refer the hon. Member to the oral statement given by my right. hon. Friend the Secretary of State (Alan Johnson) on 4 July 2007,  Official Report, columns 961-78W.